Federal Policy
KFF Poll: CDC Trust Stable While Confidence in Trump, State Officials Declines
A July 2026 KFF tracking poll finds public trust in the CDC as a health information source has stabilized after steep declines between 2020 and early 2026, while trust in President Trump and state government officials as health information sources has decreased over the past six months. The poll marks a potential inflection point in public confidence in federal health agencies following years of erosion. For Medicaid agencies and health plans managing public health messaging around coverage, benefits, and care access, understanding shifting trust dynamics affects member communication strategies and credibility of guidance tied to federal or state sources.
Why it mattersMedicaid agencies and health plans rely on CDC guidance and federal/state messaging for member education on preventive care, behavioral health services, and maternal health — shifting trust patterns influence communication effectiveness and member engagement with recommended care.